Staff Reports
Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma is facing backlash from the Oklahoma Republican Party over his support of a potential bipartisan deal to address concerns about the leaky Southern Border. While the deal is not yet finalized, it would grant President Joe Biden the authority to shut the border if it becomes overwhelmed. Former President Donald Trump made his opinion clear on the matter, stating in a Truth Social post, “A BAD BORDER DEAL IS FAR WORSE THAN NO BORDER DEAL!” Despite the criticism, Lankford remains optimistic about the deal, citing positive initial feedback and dismissing criticism as mere “internet rumors.”
However, back in Oklahoma, trouble is brewing for Lankford. State Sen. Dusty Deevers took to X to share a resolution that condemns Lankford for his role in the deal. The resolution accuses Lankford of partnering with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on “an open border deal to allow 5,000 illegal immigrants a day to enter and work in the United States.” It goes on to claim that this deal not only undermines legal immigrants seeking citizenship but also puts the safety and security of Americans at risk. The resolution argues that this authorization of a large-scale influx of people across the border contradicts Lankford’s oath to the Constitution and falls outside his authorized negotiation areas.
“Resolution Condemning & Censoring Senator Lankford’s Open Border Deal” as approved by the OKGOP State Committee members on January 27, 2024. pic.twitter.com/peVqHAfIpt
— Dusty Deevers (@DustyDeevers) January 27, 2024
Furthermore, the resolution asserts that the Oklahoma Republican Party strongly condemns Lankford and calls on him to stop jeopardizing the security and liberty of the people of Oklahoma and the United States. Until Lankford ceases these actions, the resolution states that the Oklahoma Republican Party will withdraw all support for him. Even Trump ally Roger Stone criticized Lankford, adding fuel to the fire of discontent. And former GOP state Chairman Anthony Ferate disputed the legitimacy of the meeting where the resolution was passed.
In response to the resolution, party vice chairman Wayne Hill stressed the committee’s commitment to holding elected Republicans accountable to the limited legal immigration standards set forth in the OKGOP platform. Hill hopes that Lankford will acknowledge the committee’s direction and defend the border from the current invasion. Hill also touched on the divide within the party, acknowledging the strength and growth of the grassroots movement in Oklahoma. He criticized Ferate as being out of touch with the pulse of the state committee membership and labeled him as a protector of the old guard of establishment Republicans.
As Lankford navigates the fallout from his support of the potential border deal, the Oklahoma Republican Party makes it clear that they expect him to prioritize border security and adhere to the party’s principles. The situation highlights the tension within the GOP and the differing perspectives on how to handle immigration and border issues.
